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Bishop J. C. F. CammerhofF's 



Narrative 

OF A 

Journey to Shamokin, Penna. 



In the Winter of 1748 



BY 



JOHN W. JORDAN 



Reprinted from the Pennspvania Magazine of History and Biography, 

April, igoj 



PHILADELPHIA 
1905 



BISHOP J. C. F. CAMMERHOFF'S NARRATIVE 

OF A JOURNEY TO SHAMOKIN, PENNA., 

IN THE WINTER OF 1748. 



John Christopher Frederick Cammerhoft' was born July 
28, 1721, near Magdeburg, Germany, where hia father was 
a Justice of the Peace. After being instructed by private 
tutors, he entered the " Cloister Bergen," originally a Bene- 
dictine monastery, and in 1738, the University at Jena, 
where he became acquainted with the son of Count Zinzen- 
dorf. In 1745 he completed his studies at the Moravian 
Theological Seminary, at Marienborn, and two years later 
became the private secretary of Count Zinzendorf, and was 
subsequently admitted to holy orders. In July of 1746 he 
was married to the Baroness Anne von Pahlen, and in 
September was consecrated to the Episcopacy in London, 
and sent to Pennsylvania as coadjutor to Bishop A. G. 
Spangenberg. 

Bishop CammerhofF was a man of natural gifts, learning, 
and eloquence, as well as piety, zeal, and energy. He 
devoted himself with almost reckless energy to the duties 
connected Avith the Indian mission of his Church, making 
journeys of extreme peril in all kinds of weather, although 
never inured to hardships, and of a physique far from robust. 
His career of activity was brief, for he succumbed to the 
strain, and died at Bethlehem, April 28, 1751. His widow 
returned to Germany after his death. He left no issue. 

Shamokin was situated a short distance below the junc- 
tion of the north and west branches of the Susquehanna, 
and was, in consequence of its position, the most important 
Indian town in the Province. The Six Nations held it as a 
Btrategic point, and made it the seat of a viceroy, who ruled 
for them the tributary tribes that dwelt along the waters of 
the " Windy River." At the date of this narrative it con- 
tained upwards of fifty cabins and three hundred inhabitants, 



2 Bishop Cammerhofs Journey to Shamokin, Pa., 17^.8. 

one-half Delawares, the others Senecas and Tudelars, who 
Brainerd describes, " the most drunken and ruffian-like 
fellows of any in these parts." 

In September of 1742 Zinzendorf, with Conrad "Weiser 
as guide and interpreter; Bishop Peter Boehler, Anna 
Nitschmann, Rev. John Martin Mack, Henry Leinbach, and 
Joshua and David, Indian converts, visited Shamokin. The 
acquaintance which the Moravians made \^^th Viceroy 
Shikellmy ripened into a friendship which ceased only with 
his death. At his solicitation, in 1747 a mission house and 
a smithy were erected by the missionaries Joseph Powell 
and John Hagen, and Anton Schmidt was made the smith ; 
and Rev. John Martin Mack and his wife began to organize 
a mission. 

" The mission house," states Bishop Losldel, " was fre- 
quently injured by the violent storms prevailing in that 
district. Sometimes their plantations were destroyed by 
hail, earthquakes shook the house, and filled them with 
apprehension; but their principal danger arose from the 
drunkenness of the Indians. They were also often alarmed 
by parties of warriors of different tribes, then at war with 
the Catawbas, passing to and fro with captives." 

The missionaries Zeisberger, Post, Pyrlaeus, Bruce, 
Ranch, and others served the mission until its abandon- 
ment in the autumn of 1755, in consequence of the Indian 

War. 

Bishop Cammerhoff's Narrative} 

January 6. — Accompanied by Bro. Joseph Powell,^ I set 
out for Shamokin in the afternoon. We proceeded this 
day as far as Macungy.^ 

' Translated from a letter written by Cammerhoff to Zinzendorf, dated 
Bethlehem, March 13, 1748. 

''Joseph Powell, born in 1710, near White Church, Shropshire, Eng- 
land. Immigrated to Pennsylvania in June of 1742, and served in 
various congregations in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. 
Died in Sichem, New York, in September of 1774. 

*A Moravian settlement, since 1761 called Emmaus, in Lehigh 
County. 



Bishop Cammei'hqf's Journey to Shamoldn, Pa., 17 48. 3 

January 7. — Set out for Tulpehockeii [Berks Co.] . The 
8110W lay deep on the ground and being covered with a 
hard crust, the horses which carried our supplies, could 
travel but slowly; and as all traces of a road were fre- 
quently obliterated, evening had set in, when we struck the 
Ontalaunee.' AVe passed the night at the house of Moses 
Starr, a Quaker, with whom our itinerant missionaries often 
lodge.- 

January 8. — Early in the morning arrived at the Schuyl- 
kill. We found the river frozen in the middle, and open 
along its banks. Kno^ving that we were making a venture, 
and yet there being no alternative, we leaped upon the ice, 
halter in hand, our horses following. When half-way 
across, Brockden's bay, whom I was leading broke through 
the ice, but by a well directed spring regained its footing.'' 
Powell, and the gray, had a similar mishap near the farther 
bank, but my companion more unfortunate than I had been, 
got into the water waist deep. After a ride in intensely 
cold weather, with no other adventures we entered Heidel- 
berg pBerks Co.]. Here we met Bro. I^eubert^ who was 
on his way to Bethlehem from Swatara. He informed us 
that one of his members had set out for Shamokin with 
supplies for the Mission, three weeks ago, but finding the 
mountain road obstructed by snow, had returned. In the 
evening we reached Michael Schaeffer's in Tulpehocken.^ 

' Maiden Creek, which empties into the Schuylkill, about seven miles 
above Reading. 

* A number of Quaker families settled in ^laiden Creek Township, as 
early as 1738. 

^It is evident that Zinzendorf knew the horse so particularly de- 
scribed. It may have been his favorite riding horse while was a resident 
of Philadelphia, or it may have carried him in his travels into the In- 
dian country. Charles Brocken, Master of the Rolls of the Province, 
was a member of the Moravian congregation in Philadelphia. 

* Rev. Daniel Neubert, from Koenigswalde, Saxony, who immigrated 
to Pennsylvania in 1742, and was pastor of a number of rural congrega- 
tions. Died in Bethlehem, January, 1785. 

* Michael Schaeffer, a Palatine from Schuluirie, New York, settled in 
Tulpehocken iu 1725. 



# 



4 Bishop Cammerhoff's Journey/ to Shamokin, Pa., 171^.8. 

January 9. — Resumed our journey, and at 9 o'clock ar- 
rived at George Loesch's ; ^ both parents and children gave 
U8 a cordial welcome, and showed us much kindness. 
They also urged us to take a supply of provisions for the 
missionaries at Shamokin, but as we were desirous of hus- 
banding the strength of our horses, we accepted only of 
some meat, butter and dried fruit. We now held a consul- 
tation on the choice of a route for the remainder of the 
journey, and after weighing the advantages and disadvan- 
tages offered at this season of the year respecting the moun- 
tain road^ and the Indian path along the Susquehanna, 
leading from Harris's Ferry, decided to follow the latter. 
The decision, it is true, imposed upon us additional miles 
of travel, but we reflected that we would have the river for 
a guide, and that at the settlements we could bait our 
horses. Taking leave of our kind friends at noon, we rode 
on through the snow. Dismounted at Peter Kucher's in 
Quittopchille,^ and after loading our horses with oats for 
their feed at Shamokin, rode on five miles to Henry Zan- 
ders, where we passed the night.* 

January 10. — Set out for Harris's Ferr}'. This proved a 
long day's journey through a w\\(\. and dreary region of 
country. "We struck the Great Swatara at noon, and after 
a short halt crossed it in safety on the ice, although the 
stream was open along its banks. We were now seven 

^George Loesch, born near Worms, 1699, immigrated with other 
Palatines in 1710, and settled in Schoharie, New York. In 1723, re- 
moved to Tulpehocken, and united with the Moravians in 1747. Died 
in Nazareth, August, 1790. 

*The mountain road was via Great Swatara Gap, Second, Third, 
Peter's, Berry's and Maliantango mountains in Dauphin Co., and over 
Line and Mahanoy mountains in Northumberland Co. 

'John Peter Kucher, imported on the Loyal Judith, in September of 
1732, settled on what is now the Harrisburg turnpike, a short distance 
from the borough of Lebanon. In 1750 he donated the land upon 
which was erected the " Hebron" Moravian Church. He died in July 
of 1788. 

*He was a member of the " Hebron" Church, and his house was the 
usual stopping place of the Moravian missionaries. 



Bishop Canwierhojf's Journey to Shnnohln^ Pa., 17 4S. 5 

miles from the Ferry, but loosing the way, we strayed 
through the woods until 8undo^v^l, and it was seven o'clock 
before we reached our place of destination. We found a 
large company of traders at Harris's ; one of whom had 
just returned from an attempt to reach the Allegheny coun- 
try, in which he had been baffled by the increasing depth 
of the snow, after he had penetrated the wilderness to the 
distance of one hundred miles west of the Susquehanna. 
On making enquiry about the course of the path that leads 
to Shamokin, we were told to follow a trail left in the snow 
by a party of Indians, who had a few days ago come down 
to the mill above the Ferry. 

Januarij 11. — Kept along the river, and after having rid- 
den some distance through the Narrows at the base of the 
first Blue Mountain, at 9 A. M., came to Chambers' Mill,^ 
at the mouth of Fishing Creek, seven miles above the 
Ferry. The people of the house were very courteous; 
mentioned that Anton Schmidt * had lodged with them sev- 
eral times, and e\^denced sincere regard for the Moravians. 
The miller's mother stated that, she had attended worship 
in our church in Philadelphia, and that as for herself she 
sympathized with us in our religious views, having experi- 
enced what we taught, namely, — that love towards Christ 
the Saviour was the sinner's only source of true happiness 
in this life. Although our entertainers sought to dissuade 
us from venturing any farther, assuring us that in the 
event of a long-continued storm, the journey would be im- 

' James, Robert, Joseph and Benjamin Chambers immigrated from 
County Antrim, Ireland, between 1726 and 1730. Soon after their ar- 
rival in the Province, they started for its frontiers, and appropriated a 
tract of land at the mouth of Fishing Creek [now in Dauphin Co.], 
where they built a mill. James settled subsequently in Cumberland 
Co. ; Robert, near Shippensburg ; and Benjamin and Joseph on the 
site of Chambersburg. Later Joseph returned to the Fishing Creek im- 
provement, and was residing there at the date of this narrative. 

' Anton Schmidt, a native of Hungary, came to Bethlehem in 1746. 
The following year he was appointed the blacksmith at Shamokin. The 
Indians gave him the name of Hachustoni. 



6 Bishop Cammerhofs Journey to Shamoldn, Pa., 17^.8. 

practicable, we set out at noon. After a few miles ride we 
struck the base of Second Mountain, at a point where it 
butts down to the river's edge,^ which point is in a line 
with the northern limit of the Proprietaries' land, as fixed 
in the last purchase.^ We were now in the Indian coun- 
try. The rain continued to beat down, and as we toiled 
through the snow in the Narrows, we occasionally lost the 
Lidian trail, where it led into the Susquehanna, which had 
overflowed its banks. ^Nevertheless we kept up heart, and 
felt as though we were being carried along on in\asible 
hands. After having crossed several streams,^ the path left 
the river (which here suddenly bends to the West, and then 
returns upon itself several miles higher up, after describing 
an arc of a circle) and struck up Peter's Mountain,^ which I 
am inclined to believe is a continuation of the Thiirnstein.^ 
The ridge was high and precipitous, and the ascent tried 
our loaded horses' strength. Just as we reached the sum- 
mit, the rain poured down in torrents, and in a few min- 
utes we were wet to the skin. Below us the thick clouds 
were drifting along, the snow lay on the ground to the 
depth of three feet, and there was no longer any vestige of 
a trail. Not venturing to make a random descent, we lost 
some time in searching for tracks, and on discovering Avhat 
had the appearance of a path, led our horses cautiously 

^ In Middle Paxton TownshiiJ. 

^ By treaty of October 1736, the Five Nations deeded to the Peuns, 
"all the lands lying on the east side of the Susquehanna as far as the 
heads or springs running into the same — and all the lands lying west 
of the said river to the setting of the Sun — and to extend from the 
mouth of the Susquehanna northward, up the same, to the hills or 
mountains called in the language of the Five Nations the Tyatmustasacta, 
and by the Delawares, Keekachtanln, i. e., Endless Hills." One of the 
signers of this deed was Caxhayton, an Iroquois Sachem, Avho was en- 
tertained by Zinzendorf at the Moravian House, Philadelphia, in 1742. 

* Fishing and Stony Creeks, in Paxton, and Clerk's Creek in Middle 
Kush Township. 

* Opposite the site of Duncannon. 

^ Named in honor of Zinzendorf, who was also Baron Thiirnstein, by 
Conrad Weiser in September of 1742. 



Bishop Cammei'hoff's Journey to Shamo/dn, Pa., 17^.8. 7 

down, after crossing several lesser spurs of the mountain, 
entered the valley in safety. We next forded Powell's 
Creek/ and a mile above the point where we again struck 
the Susquehanna, came to the house of a trader, Armstrong 
by name.- We were now eighteen miles from Harris's 
Ferry. Here we resolved to end the day's journey and pass 
the night, as the rain had not abated, and we were com- 
pletely exhausted. The trader bid us welcome and showed 
us much kindness during our stay. He was well acquainted 
\vith Schmidt. In the evening a violent storm blew up 
from the South, with rain that poured down in torrents, 
and about midnight there was an appalling crash, and a 
booming report like the discharge of heavy ordnance, which 
told us that the ice in the river had suddenly broken up. 
Amid the fury of the elements, our thoughts reverted to 
Bethlehem, where our Brethren we knew w^ere at this mo- 
ment keeping the vigils of l^ew Year, according to the old 
style. Daylight revealed a wonderful change without ; for 
the deep snow that had filled the valleys had vanished as 
if by magic, and the water-courses were running with ice. 

January 12. — The words of Scripture given us on this 
day for meditation, " Jacob went on his way, and angels 
met him,"^ reassured us, as we thought of the obstacles 
that we would in all probability have to encounter in the 
next stage of our journey. The trader pressed us hard to 
stay with him, urging that we could not possibly continue 

' A short distance from where Matamoras, in Halifax Township, now 
stands. 

' James and Alexander Ariustrong, Ulster-Scots, were commissioned 
captain and lieutenant in May of 1748, for the defence of the Province. 
Near the mouth of Armstrong's Creek there was a blockhouse built by 
Col. William Clapham in June of 1756, and named by Gov. Morris 
Halifax. 

'The custom of issuing a collection of daily texts consisting of a 
selection of verses from the Bible for each day, with appropriate col- 
lects, has prevailed in the Moravian Church since the year 1731. They 
are published in the English, German, French, Dutch, Swedish, Dan- 
ish, Bohemian, Eskimo, and Negro-English for Surinam, S. A. 



8 Bishop Cammerhof's Jownwj to ShamoJd?}, Pa., 17Jf.8. 

on our journey, because of the swollen streams and other 
perils, to which we would expose ourselves. Having 
crossed the creek near his house,* and after having passed 
the plantations of several squatters, we suddenly saw the 
river before us. In a narrow part of its channel,^ the ice 
was dammed up to the height of ten or twelve feet, and the 
Narrows, through which the path along the river wound, 
was overflowed and choked with cakes of ice. It was in 
vam that we endeavored to efiect a passage or keep to the 
trail. Foiled in this, we were compelled to climb the spurs 
of the mountain which here abut against the river, until 
we again struck a wide expanse of lowland. It was a la- 
borious task; but we kept brave hearts, and our poor 
horses did their part nobly. After toiling on in this way 
for seven miles we reached the Wisconisco,^ which ran very 
far above its banks, with an impetuous current, and was full 
of floating ice. "We were told that any attempt to ford it, 
would be at the peril of our lives. But Powell rode in, 
and as I followed, I encouraged him by the words of the 
text. It was a special Providence that we reached the 
farther bank in safety. A short distance beyond we came 
to a house where we halted. Our host was acquainted 
with our brethren at Shamokin, and had assisted them in 
transporting their supplies. He informed us, that on the 
west bank of the river opposite to his house, began the 
great path to the Allegheny country, estimated to be three 
or four hundred miles distant. 

The country was populous with Indians, and a trader 
with a train of twenty or thirty pack-horses, could in a very 
short time dispose of his wares. He also stated that many 
of the Indians living along the river were removing thither, 
among the number Andrew Montour.^ Continuing on our 

' Armstrong's Creek, in Halifax Township. 
=* Probably Berry's Falls. 

* In Upper Paxton Township. 

* The oldest son of Madam Montour. Zinzendorf thus describes 
him ; "Andrew's cast of countenance is decidedly European, and had 



Bishop Cammerhofs Journey to Shamokin^ Pa.^ 174S. 9 

way, we overtook in the woods two Indian squaws, who 
lived fifty miles above Shamokin, returning from Chambers' 
Mill. At three in the afternoon we reached Benigna's 
Creek,' near its outlet, which we found was as wide as the 
Lehigh at Bethlehem. Turning our horses' heads up the 
creek we commenced the search for a ford wliich had been 
described to us, but were unsuccessful as the large rock 
which was to be our landmark, was covered with water. 
Darkness fast approaching, we resolved to build a fire, and 
encamp under some pines, but to our great joy, we descried 
on the other side of the creek, a house in the distance. 
Our shouts soon attracted the attention of the inmates, who 
upon learning of our situation, volunteered to first bring us 
over in a canoe, and afterwards to swim the horses over. 
At first we hesitated to trust ourselves in so frail a boat, in 
the creek filled with running ice; but commending our- 
selves to the care of the Lord, I crossed first, with all our 
eftects, then Powell followed, swimming the horses. One 
of the latter, at one time, was carried by the current under 
the canoe, and almost upset it. Being now but three miles 
from Capt. Thomas McKee's,^ we determined to press on, 
and took the path over the hills. Losing our way, after 
proceeding about two miles, we turned and attempted to 
force our way between the ice-barrier and rocks along the 
river, but were compelled to return to the house near the 
creek, where we passed the night ; thankful that our Saviour 
had safely brought us one day's journey nearer to Shamokin. 

not his face been encircled with a broad band of paint, applied with 
bear's fat, I would certainly have taken him for one. He wore a brown 
broadcloth coat, a scarlet damasken lappel waistcoat, breeches, over 
which his shirt hung, a black cordovan neckerchief, decked with silver 
bugles, shoes and stockings, and a hat. His ears were hung with pen- 
dants of brass, and other wires plaited together like the handles of a 
ba.sket. He was very cordial, but on my addressing him in French, he 
to my surprise, replied in English." 

•' Tlie Mahantango or Kind Creek. So named by Zinzendorf, after his 
daughter, in September of 1742. 

' In Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland Co. 



10 Bishop Cammerhofs Journey to Shamokin, Fa., I74.S. 

January IS. — During the night it froze, and the high 
water somewhat subsided. We have before us twenty long 
miles to Shamokin, also two bad creeks and the narrowest 
passes along the river to pass. At nine o'clock we reached 
Thomas McKee's,' the last white settlement on the river 
below Shamokin. McKee holds a captain's commission 
under the government, is an extensive Indian trader, bears 
a good name among them, and drives a brisk trade wath 
the Allegheny Country. His wife, who was brought up 
among the Indians, speaks but little English. They re- 
ceived us wdth much kindness and hospitality. We took 
the opportunity to converse with him concerning the object 
of our xasit to Shamokin, and of our missions among the 
Indians. He is recovering from a serious sickness, and is 
still feeble. During the past summer, he informed us, 
probably one-half of the settlers living along the river died 
from fever and a cough, and that even now many still lay 
sick. He also asked Powell to request me to baptize his 
child on my return. At parting, he cordially invited us 
and our brethren to always make his house their home, 
and that he was willing and ready to serve them as the cir- 
cumstances required. 

Proceeding on our journey we came to the long stretch 
of narrows by the river, and for a short distance worked 
our way between the rocks and ice, but were compelled to 
retrace our steps. Thereupon we crossed three steep hills, 
thence to the low lands, and again to the river. At three 
in the afternoon reached the Mahanoy Creek,^ up which we 

'In 1743 McKee was an Indian trader and had his store "at an 
Indian town on the Susquehanna inhabited by Shawneese, whose dialect 
he spoke." In "Gov. Shirley's War" he was chosen a captain by the 
Association of Lancaster County, and commissioned by the Provincial 
Council May 25, 1748. In January of 1756, he was commanded to 
raise a company, and to complete and garrison the fort at Hunter's 
Mill. He was em^jloyed in various capacities in Indian affairs, and was 
one of the " Interpreters for the Crown." 

^ Zinzendorf on his way to Shamokin in September of 1742, named 
the Mahanoy, Leinbach's Creel:, for Henry Leinbach, one of his fellow- 
travellers. 



Bishop Canunerhofs Journey to Shamokhi, Pa., 17If.8. 11 

rode to a ford described to us by McKee. Powell, beading 
his horse up stream, crossed in safety, but mine got into a 
hole, and was carried down some distance, be, however, 
swam with me to land. Night overtook us while still live 
miles from Shamokin, but as it was moonlight we deter- 
mined to push on. Reaching the precipitous Spangenberg,' 
we laboriously climbed to the summit, and when searching 
for a path to descend on the other side, too late realized 
that the warnings we had received from the settlers, of the 
dangers attending the crossing, were not exaggerated. In 
this search we w^ere unsuccessful ; so resohdng to trust our- 
selves to the guidance of the Saviour, we began the perilous 
descent, leading our horses by their halters. The snow on 
this side, (north) knee-deep to the horses, was covered with 
a hard-crust, which by the rain had frozen into glib-ice, and 
at the base ran the impetuous Eva Creek ^ into which w^e 
would have been precipitated, had we slipped. Thanks be 
to God ! for his angels watched over us, and w^e descended 
in safety. While searching for a ford, w^e found what we 
thought was a road leading into the creek, but struck a 
wrong one as w^e subsequently learned. Powell insisted 
upon making the perilous crossing first, with the gray horse, 
laden with three bushels of oats and other baggage. When 
but a short distance from the shore, the impetuous current 
soon swept both several hundred feet do^vn the stream, and 
all that I could see was the heads of each, and the occasional 
rearing and plunging of the horse, which threatened to 
throw both backwards. Fortunately Powell succeeded in 
grasping the branch of a tree that was hanging over the 
water, and with his left hand controlled his horse. Lifting 
himself to the trunk, he walked along it to the shore lead- 
ing his horse. My heart and eyes overflowed ^^'ith tears of 

* Named for Bishop Spaugenberg. Zinzendorf crossed it in 1742, and 
describes it, "a preciiiitous hill, such as I scarce ever saw. Anna 
Nitschraann, who is the most courageous of our number, led in tlie 
descent." 

' Shamokin Creek. So named in honor of the wife of Bishop Span- 
genberg by Zinzendorf in 1742. 



12 Bishop Cammet^hoff's Jovxney to Shamokin, Pa., 174-8. 

joy when I sawliim land, although so exhausted and chilled, 
he could scarcely utter a word. He hegged of me not to 
follow him, hut await his return from Shamokin with assist- 
ance. I then called to him to be of good heart, and prayed 
to the Lord to give him strength, as I was apprehensive he 
might from exhaustion, give out and he frozen to death. 
Meanwhile Mack ^ who had been expecting our arrival for 
a day or so, had a feeling that we could not be far distant, 
and although nine o'clock, left his house, and when half a 
mile from the town met Powell, now almost insensible from 
exhaustion and the cold. Together they hastened to the town, 
where my companion was provided with warm clothing and 
restoratives by his brethren. After Powell disappeared, I 
succeeded in finding a protected spot near the creek for a 
camp, unloaded my horse and tied him to a tree, and en- 
deavored to make a fire, for I was cold and wet, and my 
clothes stifi'with ice, since swimming the last creek. While 
thus engaged, my horse tore loose, swam the creek, and 
went in the direction of Shamokin. I was in a fearful 
frame of mind thinking he might be met by some of my 
brethren, who would be terrified lest some accident had 
befallen me. Fortunately he was not found until three 
o'clock, when my situation was fully known. After wait- 
ing one hour and a half. Mack and Anton Schmidt, who 
had been informed by Powell of my situation, appeared on 
the opposite bank, and commenced to construct a raft with 
which to bring me across. By two o'clock they finished 
building it, but owing to the wood being green, it would 

' John Martin Mack, for many years a missionary among the Indians, 
was born 13th April, 1715, at Leysingen, in Wurttemberg, In 1740 he 
came to Pennsylvania, and was one of the founders of Bethlehem. In 
1745, he and his wife were sent to Shamokin, " the very seat of the Prince 
of darkness," he states in his autobiography, "where we resided four 
months, and were in constant danger. There was scarcely a night but 
we were compelled to leave our hut, and hide in the. woods, from fear 
of the drunken savages." In 1747 he again visited the town, where he 
remained until the arrival of Bishop Cammerhoff, as noted further on 
in this narrative. He died on Santa Cruz, W. I., January 9, 1784 



Bishop Cainmerhoff's Jomniey to Shamo/cin, Pa., 1748. 13 

only bear the weight of one person, so this attempt to succor 
me had to be abandoned. In the meantime I had succeeded 
in making a fire, when seeing me more comfortable my 
brethren returned to Shamokin for more assistance. By 
five o'clock my heart was gladdened to see Mack, Anton, 
and James Logan [a son of Shikellmy], dragging a sled 
after them upon which was a canoe, which Anton quickly 
launched and crossed over to me. Hastily collecting my 
things together, I recrossed with him, and finally, escorted 
by my rescuers, we entered Shamokin at daybreak on 
Sunday. 

Januarj 14-. — Shikellmy,' when informed of my arrival, 
came to see me, gave me his hand and welcomed me with 
smiles, and also expressed regret at my fatiguing journey. 
When he was told that I was T'girhitontie's [the Indian 
name of Bishop Spangenberg] younger brother, he greeted 
me as such without scruple. After leaving me, all his sons 
and their children called, and later sundry Delawares and 
Tudelars. During the day I visited ITagen's " grave, which 
is in the corner of a field near the Susquehanna. I ascer- 
tained that our brethren are on intimate terms with Shik- 
ellmy and his family ; that the Indians begin to understand 
and appreciate our motives in coming to live among them, 
and say that we are diiferent from other white people ; and 
contrary to their reluctance and prejudice to teach whites 
their language, cheerfully instruct us. Bro. Mack and his 
wife' are especially held in high esteem, as they speak their 

' For a biographical sketch of Shikellmy and his sons, see MemorialK 
of the Moravian Church, Vol, I. pp. 83-84. 

■'John Ilagen, from Brandenburg, was sent in 1740 to the mission 
among the Cherokees in Georgia. In 1742 he returned to Bethlehem, 
and served in the mission among the Mohicans of New York, and the 
Delawares and Susquehanna tribes. He died at Shamokin, September 
16, 1747. 

* On September 14, 1742, Mack married Jeanette Rau, whose knowl- 
edge of the Mohawk dialect she had acquired in the home of her child- 
hood, and of the Delaware, rendered her an efficient assistant in the 
mission. She died in December of 1749. 



14 Bishop Cammerhofs Journey to Shamokin, Pa., 17 4-8. 

language and are always ready to assist in cases of sickness. 
Our smith is kept constantly employed, many Indians com- 
ing from a great distance. 

Recently an Indian from "Wyoming came to our house, 
when he was invited to enter and warm himself by the fire. 
After a long silence he turned to Sr. Mack and said : " I 
have been in Shamoldn nearly two days and have visited in 
all the houses, yet no one has offered me anything to eat. 
Will not the white squaw give me something to eat, for I 
am suffering ?" Thereupon she gave him some bread and 
meat, for which he expressed hearty thanks and departed. 

Last August turnips were planted in our lot, and the 
yield was large. A quantity was distributed among our 
friends, and Shikellmy, who is always delighted with a 
present of some, and in return treats us to venison. 

Logan's wife, who is a Mohican and a relative of Abra- 
ham's,^ was much impressed with the visit of Mack and 
Nathaniel last autumn. While away on the annual hunt 
last November, her little daughter died, being as she in- 
formed us, bewitched by a Delaware sorcerer. She immedi- 
ately returned home with the body, and asked for nails and 
wood to make a coffin, which we gave her. To Sr. Mack 
she related that the child, shortly before it died, said to her, 
" Mother, I will soon die ; greet the white people, and tell 
them that I never stole turnips ; they must not suspect me 
of such a theft, for when I wanted any, I asked for them." 
When the mother asked whether her daughter would go to 
our God, Sr. Mack replied in the affirmative, and spoke of 
the love of God to children. Our brethren attended the 
funeral. The mother showed them the corpse in the coffin 
with its presents, viz. : a blanket, several pairs of moccassins, 
buckskin for new ones, needle and thread, a kettle, two 
hatchets, and flint, steel and tinder ; so that on its arrival in 
the new country, it could go at once to housekeeping. Be- 
sides, it was beautifully painted, and had a supply of bear's 

* "Mohican Abraham," or " Captahi Abraham," was one of the first 
Moravian converts. He died at Wyoming in December, 1762. 



Bishop Cammerhoff's Journey to Shamo/dn, Pa., 174^. 15 

meat, Indian corn and a calabash. The family thought it 
cruel in us not to have supplied Bro. Ilagen with all these 
things when he was buried, but we explained to them, that 
as soon as we come to the Saviour, He would supply us 
with all we needed. The mother sat by the grave, and 
wept and sang " Wake up, my child, arise and eat; for five 
days ye have tasted no food — this my child was killed by the 
sorcerer !" In these lamentations she was joined by another 
squaw. After the funeral she presented Sr. Mack with a 
quart tin, saying : " This belonged to my daughter — accept 
it in remembrance of her." It is an Indian custom, that 
when one dies, not all the effects are buried, but some are 
reserved for distribution among friends. 

During the afternoon, with Bro. ]\Iack, we visited Shik- 
ellm}' and his family. Last autumn many of his family 
died, viz. : his wife, his oldest son's wife and five children, 
three of Logan's children, and his son-in-law and some of 
his children. 

January 15. — This morning I sent for Shikellmy, and re- 
quested him to assemble his council in our house, as I had 
something to communicate to them. We decided upon the 
afternoon for the interview, after which he sat awhile with 
us and smoked by the hearth. The cap I was wearing 
seemed to " strike his fancy," and he asked whether we 
made such things in Bethlehem. " Yes," I replied, " and 
if you visit Bethlehem in the spring, I will present you with 
one." I then invited him to dinner, which he accepted, 
deeming it a great honor. After dinner we sat around the 
fire, and for nearly an hour he instructed me in the ^laqua 
tongue. Later he left to summon his councilors, and we 
conferred with Bro. Powell, who is now to take charge of 
the Shamokin Economy. The Council met, viz. : Shikellmy 
and his two sons, with Logan's ^^^fe as interpreter. His 
oldest son is sick, and the other L'oquois councilors are 
absent on the hunt. Bro. Mack translated my words into 
Mohican to Logan's wife, she then into Shawanese to her 
husband, and he into Oneida for his father. Shikellmy 



16 Bishop Cammet'hoff's Journey to ShamoJdi}, Pa., 17 4.8. 

arose and said : " Do not take it amiss, my brother, that I 
speak first. You said that you ^vished to tell me and my 
brethren some words ; but first I must tell you something. 
My brother, do not take it amiss, that the smith at Shamo- 
kin up to this time, has not had more meat to eat. I have 
been sick, and so have my sons and their children, and 
many of them have died. We have been mourning and un- 
able to go on the hunt, but when we recover, we will go 
on the hunt, and the smith and his wife shall have plenty 
to eat." 

Cammerlioff. — " Shikellmy my brother ! T'girhitontie,your 
and my brother has heard of your sickness, and he sym- 
pathizes with you. We rejoice to see that you are conval- 
escent, and T'girhitontie wishes you to keep up a good 
heart. (These remarks appeared to please them all very 
much.) Shikellmy my brother ! my brother the smith, and 
his brethren in Shamokin, are not dissatisfied, they have 
had as much meat as was necessary. T'girhitontie and his 
brethren are also not dissatisfied, but rejoice of your kind- 
ness towards them." 

Shikellmy. — " So far the smith has only taken deer sldns 
compensation for his work. Cannot he also take raccoon, 
fox, wild-cat and otter skins, at the market price ? Some 
of us are old and can no more follow the deer. T'girhi- 
tontie and his brethren could as well take other skins and 
sell them, and in this way the smith will be paid for all his 
work." 

Cammcrhoff. — " Shikellmy my brother ! T'girhitontie 
and his brethren are no traders, nor do they trafiic in furs. 
This is not their business, and hence the smith cannot take 
all kinds of skins. The deer-sldns, T'girhitontie uses to 
make breeches, caps, gloves, &c., for his brethren. But as 
we love you, the smith may sometimes take otter, raccoon, 
and fox skins, when they are good. We have also instructed 
the smith not to deliver any work until it is paid for, else he 
be cheated." 

Shikellmy. — " My brother ! I always have told the smith 



Bishop Canmicrhoff'^s Jourvcy to Shamokin, Pti., 17/^.8. 17 

not to trust every Indian, but as soon as he mended a gun 
or put it in order, to keep it until it is paid for. Why did 
he trust? I knew lie would be deceived!" [lie aimed 
this cut at the Delawares, whom the Iroquois despised. — 
Ckimmerhoff.'\ 

Cammerhoff. — " Shikcllm}^ my brother I The smith loves 
the Indians, and hence he trusted them. "When Indians 
come to him from out of the woods with their broken guns, 
he dislikes to send them back to get skins, for they would 
lose several days of the hunt, hence also he trusted them. 
But he finds that he is being cheated, and is unwilling to 
trust any more." 

ShikeUmy. — " Cannot the smith also take bear and elk 
skins for his work ?" 

Cammerhoff. — "He can take as many bear skins as are 
brought, for he and his brethren need them to sleep on. 
But it is best that he be paid in deer skins, for T'girhitontie 
and his people are no traders." 

ShikeUmy. — " Now, my brethren, I have said all I had to 
say, and I thank you for your answers. Now you can 
speak." 

Cammerhof. — " T'girhitontie and all his brethren, send 
greetings to Bro. Shikellmy and his brethren ! T'girhiton- 
tie said ' Shikellmy my brother, I send to you this my 
younger brother, to greet you and to state my joy, that you 
are again well, for I love you tenderly. Johanan [Zinzen- 
dorf] my brother, who lives over the great water and whom 
you know, for you accompanied him to Wyoming — has 
sent his younger brother over the great icater, to greet you 
and your brethren and tell them that he loves you.' I have 
sent the smith here, to aid and work for you ; and I rejoice 
that you all love him. Continue to do so. I need my Bro. 
Mack and his wife at Bethlehem, but I have sent Bro. 
Powell to live with the smith and to help him. I love him 
and do you also love him. 

" Shikellmy, my brother I You said that you would give 
the smith and his brethren more land to plant corn, pump- 



18 Bishop Cammerhoff's Journey to Shamokin, Fa., 17j^8. 

kins and turnips. Do as you said, so they may begin to 
split rails and fence it in before planting time. 

" Shikellmy my brother ! It would delight us to have 
you visit Bethlehem. If you are accompanied by your son 
James and his Mohican wife, and your other sons, they will 
be heartily welcomed. 

" I have said all that I had to say, and thank you for your 
attention. You have leave to reply if you have anything to 
say." 

Sklkdlmy. — " Greet Bro. T'girhitontie and his brethren, 
and tell them, that as soon as the weather becomes warmer, 
so that I can sleep in the woods, I w\\\ come to Bethlehem." 

At the close of the interview, I distributed the following 
presents, viz.: to Shikellmy, a pair of fine red blankets ; to 
his three sons, each a knife ; and to the Mohican woman, a 
gay colored handkerchief. We then accompanied Shikellmy, 
who pointed out to us the land he proposed to give to the 
smith. I stated that Bro. Powell would make the rails, and 
when finished, they should direct him where to run the fence. 

After our return to the house we held a Conference and 
resolved : 

First, That the smith decline to trust. 

Second, That we entertain no Lidians, as it makes Shikell- 
my distrustful. There are special houses pro\dded for visit- 
ing Indians in the town, and for us to lodge them would be 
a mark of great confidence. 

Third, The smith must decline to trust a trader. 

Fourth, No Indian must be trusted on a trader's account, 
lest the Indians think we will trust a trader sooner than 
them. 

Fifth, Our brethren must not interfere with, or pass judg- 
ment in case of any dispute between Indians and traders, nor 
interfere with their bargains. 

Sixth, We must impress upon the Indians that we are not 
traders. 

Seventh, That we must not lead them into temptation by 
allowing many things to be about the shop. 



Bishop Cammo'hofs Journey to Shamokin, Pa., 174-8. 19 

Eighth, Traders shall not be entertained — send them all 
to Shikellmy. The only exception is Capt. McKee. 

Ninth, Always be punctiliously and 8cruf)ulou8ly truthful 
to the Indians, — never say that Ave have nothing, when we 
have. 

Tenth, Owing to our circumstances, we cannot be as hos- 
pitable to the Indians here as at Bethlehem ; but always be 
self-denying " to the last crust," to the needy, suffering and 
sick. 

Eleventh, Our brethren are to visit the Indians frequently 
in their huts, and no partiality must be shown to Iroquois, 
Delawares or Tudelars. 

Tivelfth, Strive to secure the good-will of Shikellmy and 
his family, and invite them frequently to dinner. 

Thirteenth, No more land is to be accepted of the Indians 
than is absolutely necessary for our wants, and is to be 
farmed in the Indian manner. Only corn, beans, potatoes 
and turnips are to be raised. 

At the conclusion of our Conference, w^e celebrated the 
Holy Communion, all six of us being present. 

Jdnuarj 16. — After taking leave of Shikellmy and our 
brethren, at seven o'clock I set out on my return journey, 
accompanied by Bro. Mack and his wnfe. Crossed the Span- 
genberg in safety, and struck the trail which leads over the 
three high ridges between the Spangenberg and the Thiirn- 
stein. 

Towards evening we crossed Benigna's Creek, and thence 
to the Double Eagle,^ and encamj)ed at a spring two miles 
beyond. As it rained hard until midnight, we had but little 
sleep. 

January 17. — By three o'clock (A.M.) the weather cleared, 
and the moon shining brightly, we continued on our way. 
At dawn of day, as we were passing through Anna's Val- 
ley,^ a sudden storm of thunder and lightening overtook 

^ The "Spread Eagle" is noted on Scull's map of 1759. 
* Probably Lyken's Valley. Named for Anna Nitschmann, who ac- 
companied Zinzendorf to Shamokin in 1742. 



MAY 15t905 



20 Bishop Cammerhof's Journey to ShamoUn, Pa., 17^8. 

us, and for one hour it rained in torrents. This was suc- 
ceeded by so dense a fog, that we could scarcely see a few feet 
in front of our horses. At noon we reached the Thiirnstein, 
where we found deep snow. The ascent was perilous as 
well as fatiguing, owing to the ghb-ice. By two o'clock we 
had crossed the Mountain, and struck the Swatara thence 
through Anton's Wilderness,^ to the Kittatinny Hills by sun 
down. Being but twelve miles from Loesh's we determined 
to push on, and by ten o'clock arrived at this house, where, 
although unexpected, we were given a hearty welcome. 

January 19. — To-day we safely reached Bethlehem, by 
the way of Heidelberg and Mexatawny.^ 

^ Noted on Lewis Evans' map of 1749. 

* The name of a township in Berks County. 



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